Page 4 of Forever Foolish

“J.J., you really didn’t have to do this.”

“I was feeling festive,” he shrugged simply and drew in his breath as she pulled out another small gift. “I hope you don’t think I’m weird by giving you this. I mean, it’s just something silly and fun.”

Unwrapping the small box, she hesitated, looking at him sharply.

“Is this mistletoe?”

“Oh, is it?” he strangled out, rubbing the back of his head. “Huh. Weird. I thought it was just a little plant for the holiday. Are you sure that’s not holly or…”

“This ismistletoe, J.J.,” she affirmed, looking at him in disbelief. “People exchange kisses under mistletoe.”

“Yeah, we don’t have to do that,” he stammered as she stared at his profile, seeing him flushing even more. “Actually,awwwwheck, don’t open the other one – please. I’ll take it back and…”

Chloe was already tearing into it like a crazy woman, removing a small box and lifting the lid before looking athim like he’d lost his bloomin’ mind. Inside the box was a sterling silver chain that had a small charm of mistletoe hanging from it. His eyes slid toward her as he swallowed, looking guilty or like he’d been caught red-handed in the cookie jar.

“Oh, mannnn,” he hissed in a panic under his breath. “Please don’t be upset. I meant well. I just think you’re really pretty and…”

“Thank you,” she whispered softly, meeting his eyes. “It’s beautiful.”

“You aren’t mad?” he giggled in disbelief, staring at her.

“Why would I be mad?”

“Because it… because I, um, well, I’d like to… gosh, Chloe, I’ve really missed you the last few years,” he admitted in a hushed voice. “I know that this is stupid to think that you could ever, um, well… you know what – never mind. This is hopeless.”

And she reached out to touch his hand, hesitating. His hand was warm, so much larger than hers, and so different yet so familiar. His blunted nails had obviously been chewed on where hers had been filed and painted with clear nail polish. They were two different people from two different worlds, with two different paths.

“Maybe right now, it is,” she said softly, meeting his eyes. “I need time because I plan on going to the Air Force Academy with some of my friends – and would like to consider you one of them.”

“Iamyour friend,” he replied. “I’vealwaysbeen – even if I irritate you.”

“You do sometimes,” she admitted, chuckling softly. “Yet, I came back because I wanted to see you too. Can you fasten the necklace on me?”

“Do you like it?”

“It’s my favorite present – and it will remind me of you.”

“Turn around,” he instructed, and she did so, seeing a few people glancing at them knowingly – before smiling and turning their backs to give them a moment of privacy in the crowded room. Her father was on the other side talking with Mr. Mitchell, and she wasn’t sure where Mr. and Mrs. Post were right now. As the charm descended before her face, she felt a moment later cool against her skin, realizing it would lay just below her collarbone nicely.

“There,” J.J. said softly, and his hand touched her shoulder briefly before he removed it as she turned to look at him. “Do you like it?”

“I love it,” she breathed, her words catching in her throat as she met his eyes. “Thank you so much. We should keep in touch more, shouldn’t we?”

“I would really like that.”

“So,” she began and heard her voice warble precariously. “Is this weird between us? I know they are all watching us right now. Are you going to kiss me?”

“I…ah, would you like me to kiss you?”

“It would be my first kiss – and I think it would be really special. Almost like it’s a Christmas present from me, given to you. I don’t have anything to give you, but I could give you that.”

“Chloe…”

She touched his hand once more and felt something turn over in her chest as he laced their fingers together – before leaning forward to kiss her softly on the cheek. Her eyes closed as she felt his warm breath on her skin, treasuring the sweetness of the moment before frowning.

He kissed her on the cheek?

Opening her eyes, she met his sad ones.

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